Prime Video has a new sensation on its hands. The Girlfriend has soared straight to the top of the platform’s TV charts following its release on September 10. Still trending strongly in the UK, the limited series has quickly become a watercooler topic, with audiences and critics alike sharing their excitement — and their frustrations — about this addictive psychological drama.
With leading performances by Robin Wright and Olivia Cooke, the series adapts the bestselling novel by Michelle Frances, weaving a tale of wealth, suspicion, and family conflict that keeps audiences glued to their screens until the very end.
A Suspenseful Storyline with a Dark Edge
At the heart of The Girlfriend is Laura Sanderson (Robin Wright), a successful and affluent woman enjoying a seemingly picture-perfect life in London. Her world begins to shift, however, when her beloved son Daniel (Laurie Davidson) introduces her to his new partner, Cherry (Olivia Cooke).
What starts as polite curiosity soon spirals into a tense psychological battle. Laura becomes increasingly uneasy about her son’s mysterious new girlfriend, while Cherry’s presence reveals hidden cracks in the idyllic life Laura has carefully built.
This tension, mixed with themes of love, jealousy, and maternal protectiveness, sets the stage for a drama that escalates episode by episode.
A Stellar Cast Brings the Story to Life
Beyond Wright and Cooke’s fiery dynamic, The Girlfriend features strong supporting performances from Waleed Zuaiter, Tanya Moodie, Shalom Brune-Franklin, and Anna Chancellor. Together, they enrich a narrative filled with intrigue, power struggles, and unpredictable twists.
The chemistry between Cooke and Wright, in particular, has been singled out in reviews — with many critics noting how the pair’s performances elevate the story’s central conflict.
Critical Acclaim and Mixed Reactions
While early reviews have celebrated the series for its stylish production and gripping pace, reception has not been without debate. The show currently holds an 86% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, underscoring its popularity with both critics and viewers.
- The Times praised the drama as “a rollercoaster of fun,” highlighting its blend of thrills and subtle social commentary.
- IndieWire described it as “a soapy, psychological binge-watch — perfect for a night in with a drink and plenty of screen-yelling.”
- The Daily Telegraph applauded the sizzling on-screen tension between Wright and Cooke, declaring the duo “brilliant together.”
- Rolling Stone noted the rivalry at the heart of the plot was well-executed, calling the show “more playful than profound, but undeniably entertaining.”
A Divisive Finale That Sparked Debate
Despite the praise, The Girlfriend has sparked controversy with its sixth and final episode. The conclusion has polarized audiences, with some viewers describing the ending as “unsatisfying” or “underwhelming,” particularly criticizing a pivotal scene in the finale.
One IMDb reviewer remarked that while the show remains enjoyable overall, the penultimate scene felt poorly executed. Another described the ending as “lame” but acknowledged the drama’s strong acting, production quality, and overall engagement.
This clash of opinions has only fueled conversation online — a testament to how deeply viewers have been invested in the series journey.
Why The Girlfriend Is Worth Watching
Even with its divisive ending, The Girlfriend has cemented itself as one of Prime Video’s most talked-about new releases. Its gripping premise, strong performances, and binge-worthy pacing ensure that this series is more than just a fleeting trend.
For fans of psychological thrillers with a sharp, stylish edge, The Girlfriend is certainly worth the watch. Whether you find yourself siding with Laura or sympathizing with Cherry, the drama delivers plenty of twists, tension, and memorable moments.
The Girlfriend is now streaming exclusively on Prime Video.
